Agents of the Shield – Control

Control

In Daniel’s time, King Nebuchadnezzar is the most powerful ruler in the world. He thinks he’s in control of everything. However, a terrifying dream is keeping him awake at night. He doesn’t understand and can’t control this nightmare. He calls for the astrologers, fortune tellers, and “so called” wise men of his day and orders them to tell him the dream and explain it or they will be executed. They are doomed because they are incapable of meeting his demands. When Daniel is made aware of the situation, he falls on his knees and prays to God’s for the wisdom to know and interpret the king’s dream. Daniel is given knowledge of the dream and its meaning in a vision from God. He tells the king and forestalls the execution.

Scriptures

Dan 2:3-6; Dan 2:11; Dan 2:19; Dan 2:47; Zach 4:6; Dan 2:20-21

Verses

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. (Zach 4:6) “Praise be to the name of God fore ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (Dan 2:20-21)

Thought

Daniel is the hero in this story, fully surrendered to God, fully dependent on God; and King Nebuchadnezzar is the controlling brut who lops off heads at a whim. Though we’d like to think we are like Daniel, or at least striving to be like him, most of us expend much time and energy trying to be like King Nebuchadnezzar…in control. We stress out, lose sleep and fret over what is far beyond our power. Only by surrender to God’s sovereignty can our soul find peace and rest.

Questions

Do you spend more time trying to be like Daniel or trying to be like Nebuchadnezzar? How often are you anxious and stressed over people and situations beyond your control? Think of a time that you truly gave God control of something and allowed his peace to replace your anxiety?

Response

Surrender to God whatever has been disturbing your peace. Turn it over every day, again and again for as long as it takes to let go. Prayer and persistence will bring surrender.

Prayer

Lord, I surrender to your control. Take __________ situation and work it out according to your will and for the good of all who are involved. I rest in your sovereign plan, in Jesus name, Amen.